Stoner ‘really happy’ to finish testing on top

Major changes the Ducati Desmosedici for 2010, led by the return of a 'big bang' engine design, meant that lead rider Casey Stoner was taking 'big steps' forward right up to the last night of the last pre-season test.

“I am really happy with the test and the work we have done right up to tonight. In the first Sepang test we had a few things to work out but we have made constant progress,” said Stoner, winner at Qatar for the past three seasons.

“The latest big step forward with the GP10 came last night and today I was able to set a consistently fast pace. I have been able to work with the tyres without putting too much stress on them and I was able to keep my pace on used rubber.”

And that latest step proved to be enough for the 2007 world champion to finally break reigning seven time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi's prefect pre-season preparations.

Stoner, second to Rossi in all five previous days of 2010 testing - four at Sepang and then the opening night at Qatar, improved by 0.364sec on the final night, putting the Australian on top by over half a second from Rossi, who went slower.

On combined times Stoner was just 0.049sec quicker than the Fiat Yamaha rider's first night time, setting the scene for an exciting start to the 2010 season, back at Qatar on April 11.

MotoGP fans have got used to seeing Stoner as the lone Ducati up front, but factory team-mate Nicky Hayden was also on the pace for the second test in succession, setting the fourth fastest time on the final night.

Stoner believes it is the 'big bang' engine that is making the difference: “I like the new engine a lot, it is more manageable and I am pleased to see the other Ducati riders, especially Nicky confirming that with fast times."

Stoner and Hayden were among several riders to crash at turn two, which most attributed to the formation of dew. All the fallers were unhurt.

Join
the conversation - Add your comment

Although the administrators and moderators of this website will attempt to keep all objectionable comments off these pages, it is impossible for us to review all messages. All messages express the views of the poster, and neither Crash Media Group nor Crash.Net will be held responsible for the content of any message. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. If you find a message objectionable, please contact us and inform us of the problem or use the [report] function next to the offending post. Any message that does not conform with the policy of this service can be edited or removed with immediate effect.

Lets see. Val is supposed to be 5' 11 and 3/4 of an inch tall and weigh 140 pounds.
Ask any doctor what the ideal weight is for a 30 year old man that is closer to 6' tall than 5'11" is, and see what he says.
I have news for you. It aint 140 pounds. My concern about this has nothing to do with favoring one or another rider. It is about these guys well being.

A healthy Stoner WILL WIN twice as many races than flossi this year.Fairly too.
Dray you are probably the most blinkered poster on this site though there are a few very close behind..the distinct lack of racing experience shows as does your kiddie hero worship.
It is a common trait for the fairy floss brigade.
All piss and wind.